NFL Player News

Fant (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Coach Vic Fangio said that Fant "is 50-50 to go this week," so it looks like the second-year tight end's status is still truly up in the air. Fant originally sprained his ankle Week 4 against the Jets but has since gotten the benefit of an unexpected Week 5 bye after Denver's initially scheduled game against the Patriots was postponed. New England once again cancelled practice Friday due to a positive COVID-19 test, so there are numerous factors surrounding Fant's availability for Week 6.

Smythe (knee) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Smythe missed Week 5's contest against the 49ers, but he's now coming off three straight limited practice sessions. If he's able to gain clearance versus New York, Smythe stands to reprise his usual role as the top backup to Mike Gesicki.

Akins (concussion) is expected to be a game-time decision Sunday at Tennessee, Deepi Sidhu of the Texans' official site reports.

Coach Romeo Crennel said the 28-year-old "made a little progress," but he clearly remains in the concussion protocol. Akins has practiced as a limited participant in four straight sessions and appears likely to tally another one Friday, but the release of the Texans' official injury report later in the day will provide the final answer on his practice participation.

Akins (concussion) was limited in Thursday's practice.

Akins has now logged four straight limited practices, dating back to last week, while working to progress through the league's five-step concussion protocol. If he's unable to gain full clearance ahead of Sunday's contest in Tennessee, Darren Fells will draw another start at tight end.

Lewis (knee) did not participate during Thursday's practice session, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Given that the 36-year-old sat out Green Bay's Week 4 win over Atlanta with the same injury, it's discouraging for his Week 6 status that he downgraded from limited practice participation Wednesday to a full absence Thursday. Lewis still has a chance to suit up for the Packers' Week 6 showdown with Tampa Bay if he can show progress to team trainers, but he's trending in the wrong direction at the moment.

Alie-Cox (knee) did not practice Thursday, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.

Alie-Cox has now missed back-to-back practices, putting his availability for Sunday's contest against the Bengals in jeopardy. If Alie-Cox isn't able to take a substantial step forward in Friday's final practice of the week, the Colts will proceed forward with just Trey Burton and Jack Doyle as starters at tight end.

Fant (ankle) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official site reports.

Prior to the workout, coach Vic Fangio labeled Fant as "50-50" to play Sunday at New England, according to DiLalla. Given that Fant's limited activity in practice matched his listing from Wednesday, it's unlikely the tight end did much to change his questionable status in Fangio's mind. If Fant can put in a full practice Friday, the Broncos would likely have more optimism about his chances of being ready to suit up this weekend without having missed any game action. Fant originally sprained his ankle in the Week 4 win over the Jets and benefited from an unexpected Week 5 bye after the Patriots-Broncos game was postponed following due to positive COVID-19 tests within New England's organization.

Hurst (back) was listed as limited on Thursday's injury report, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hurst is averaging 5.6 targets and 50.6 offensive snaps per game, but with 6.1 YPT and two touchdowns through five contests, he's been TD-dependent in his performances in his short stint with the Falcons. He's now dealing with a back issue, which may result in a questionable designation for Sunday's contest at Minnesota.

Smith was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice with a quadriceps injury, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com reports.

After Tennessee listed him as a non-participant on its estimated practice report Wednesday, Smith was able to take his activity up a notch when the Titans got back on the field Thursday. Assuming he's at least able to maintain his activity level in the team's final practice of the week Friday, Smith should be in good shape to play Sunday versus the Texans. With Corey Davis (illness) still on the Titans' reserve/COVID-19 list, Smith could be in store for another elevated target count Week 6. In the team's blowout win over the Bills on Tuesday, Smith hauled in five of seven targets for 40 yards and two scores.

Knox (calf) won't practice Thursday, Chris Brown of the Bills' official site reports.

Knox was forced out of this past Tuesday's loss to the Titans, and his non-participation in Thursday's jog-through suggests that he's not a lock to play Monday against the Chiefs. If he's out or limited Week 6, Tyler Kroft would be in line to see added pass-catching opportunities versus Kansas City.